TMJ / TMD treatment – it’s rarely a Dental issue
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are often misunderstood. TMJ / TMD treatment from a dental perspective has been tackled with splints, orthodontics, Botox, and even surgery. However, results are inconsistent, often invasive, and don’t always address the root cause. In fact, research indicates that dentistry is not the most successful of approaches for TMJ / TMD treatment.
What’s missing and what is the answer?
A better understanding of how the jaw fits into the broader musculoskeletal system. This is why our approach is rewriting the playbook by treating TMD for what it truly is, namely a joint, muscle, and movement issue.
Why our approach works where Dentistry falls short
The TMJ is a hinge joint – like a knee or an elbow – surrounded by muscles, nerves, and connective tissue. For decades, treatment has focused solely on teeth. While teeth clenching has its place, mounting evidence shows that bite and dental issues are very rarely the true cause of jaw dysfunction. Our treatment on the other hand looks at all the structures involved, the ones that research and evidence points to as being primary drivers of TMD dysfunction, namely how the neck, jaw, posture, psychological, social factors and even breathing patterns contribute to your pain. With a TMJ / TMD treatment that takes into account all the structures that impact the region it delivers results that are effective, non-invasive, and long-lasting.
TMD Is Bigger Than the Jaw
TMD rarely exists in isolation. It often comes hand-in-hand with neck pain, headaches, and postural issues – especially in women aged 25–45. The connection? Shared nerve pathways and muscle chains between the jaw and cervical spine. Our therapy doesn’t just focus on the jaw – it treats the neck, spine, and even stress-related tension that often fuels chronic symptoms. A full-body, evidence-based approach means better outcomes and fewer relapses.
Patient – centred, backed by science
Our therapy integrates movement science, muscle re-education, joint mobilisation, and patient-led strategies. It is not an off the shelf approach. We also address the psychological load – anxiety, stress, sleep issues – that can amplify physical pain. This isn’t just about a joint; it’s about improving the entire system to help one joint. Patients report significant improvements in pain, jaw function, and quality of life — without drugs or surgery.
Our approach to TMJ / TMD treatment
Before you invest in splints, irreversible dental work, or invasive procedures, consider this: evidence points to a therapy focusing on what we have outlined above as a smarter, more effective first-line treatment. When the jaw is treated in conjunction with the other areas of the body that impact it, and not in isolation, it provides a manifestly greater improvement. TMD care needs to evolve and our approach caters for this.
The process involves an in depth set of assessment protocols. The treatment includes intra-oral and extra-oral techniques for the TMJ, we also need to include treatments on the relevant and impactful structures that the assessment discovers. Finally, very specific and specialised exercises will be prescribed. Every patient is different and receives a different type of treatment.
We do require the patient to be inherently involved. It is about less appointments and about more rehabilitation at home, this requires the patient to adhere to what is advised. If you cannot commit to improving this way the results will not be as effective and you will be wasting your own time. If you can not commit to the process we advise waiting until such a time as you can. The appointments are an initial two hour appointment (including all assessments, scans, treatment and rehabilitation protocol) and then a one hour follow up appointment 4 – 6 weeks later.
The TMJ / TMD treatment process:
Step 1: Your story
AI-Powered Case History with Vocaform
We begin with an in-depth case history using Vocaform, an advanced online AI system. This captures everything we need to know about your condition—efficiently and thoroughly.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
We also take a deep dive into biopsychosocial factors like stress, posture, lifestyle, and past injuries. Which all play a role in how TMD shows up in your body.
Step 2: Objective Assessment with Cutting-Edge Tools
This involves a mix of subjective and objective assessments of the person.
Precise Jaw Measurements
We measure jaw movements, giving us a clear baseline of how your TMJ is functioning.
Neck & Posture Analysis
Because the neck often influences jaw mechanics, we assess necks range of motion and look for related restrictions through the muscular structures of the face, neck and throat.
3D Postural Scanning Technology
Our advanced formetric scanning system maps posture of your spine and pelvis in 3D. This reveals imbalances and issues that are outside of normal ranges, that may be contributing to your jaw dysfunction.
Step 3: A Bespoke Treatment Plan, Just for You
Based on Objective Data, Not Guesswork
Every part of your treatment is tailored to what we find during your assessment—no generic protocols here.
Hands-On Manual Therapy & Targeted Jaw Techniques
We use expert manual techniques on the TMJ and surrounding areas, combined with customised specific jaw exercises that we have developed in house to restore healthy movement and function.
Treating the Whole Body, Not Just the Jaw
Because your posture, spine, and even your lower limbs can affect the TMJ, we incorporate treatment for these areas too. This ensures a person centred long-lasting solution.
Why This Works
Traditional approaches often isolate the jaw. We don’t.
By combining objective technology, expert manual therapy, and a full-body perspective, we address the root causes of TMD – helping you feel better, faster, and for longer.